The best things to do in Rehoboth Beach
This post may contain affiliate links. Click here to see what that means.
Living in South Carolina, I have long been spoiled by the beautiful beaches of the Carolinas. But, I just got to visit Rehoboth Beach, Delaware for the first time. And, I had a fabulous time discovering the best things to do in Rehoboth Beach and nearby Dewey Beach!
When I arrived, I headed immediately to the boardwalk.
One of the oldest boardwalks in the country, the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk first opened in 1873. It lends this adorable beach town its relaxed charm. I felt like I stepped back in time as I took in all the people on the beach and along the boardwalk.
And, the volleyball? NUTS! It’s everywhere.
One of the modern updates at the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk that I really appreciated were the blue mat walkways across the dunes making the beach accessible to those with mobility issues. Of course, those mats are also handy for strollers, wagons and wheeled coolers!
And, unlike the coarse sand of the Carolinas, Rehoboth Beach has amazingly soft, powdery sand. Loved it!
Having never been there before, I was surprised to learn there were so many things to do in Rehoboth Beach, all in walking distance of the Boardwalk and most hotels.
AND, the food? Oh my goodness! You’ll never go hungry in Rehoboth Beach or Dewey Beach! NEVER!
Best things to do in Rehoboth Beach
When visiting Rehoboth Beach, staying close to the Boardwalk and the beach makes a lot of sense. You can walk just about everywhere, to the beach, local attractions and restaurants.
And, if you want to go a bit farther, like to Dewey Beach, the Jolly Trolley is a safe, easy and affordable alternative to driving. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the Jolly Trolley Fixed Route Shuttle Service provides one way rides between the two beaches, dropping you off right at the beach!
I arrived in Rehoboth Beach on a Sunday during shoulder season (after Labor Day). The weather was okay, but a storm was brewing, so it wasn’t great. And, I couldn’t find parking on Rehoboth Avenue (where the main shops are) or the streets that parallel it. I can only imagine how much more difficult it would be in season. So, the Jollly Trolley lets you leave your car at the hotel and avoid the frustration!
Anyway, let’s get back to the fun things to do in Rehoboth Beach!
Visit the Indian River Life Saving Station
Located within the Delaware Seashore State Park at 25039 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, the Indian River Life Saving Station was built in 1876 to rescue people from shipwrecks along the coast.
Located along Rehoboth Bay near the mouth of Delaware Bay, the tides are always stirring the sand, making shipwrecks — often ships running aground — a common occurence.
To help protect people and goods, the US Government created the United States Lifesaving Service, a precursor to the United States Coast Guard. The dedicated heroes at the Indian River Life Saving Station are credited with saving 419 lives and countless shipments while in service, using science and ingenuity to save those who wrecked.
Today the Indian River Life Saving Station is a maritime museum honoring the bravery of these men. The museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The museum is open year round, hours vary by season.
Visit the Chicamacomoco Life Saving Station in the Outer Banks for more US Coast Guard History
Take a stroll at Gordon’s Pond Trail
Gordon’s Pond Trail, which is a bit more than 5 miles long, is an out and back trail that connects the towns of Lewes and Rehoboth Beach. It’s located in Cape Henlopen State Park and provides biking, hiking, running and bird watching opportunities along its beautiful salt marshes.
If you know where to look (I don’t), you might also find President Biden’s home along the way.
This easy walk trail is made of finely crushed gravel with an elevated boardwalk about halfway through that offers scenic overlooks of the marshes.
Gordon’s Pond Lagoon, near the Rehoboth Beach part of the park, is a great place to see waterfowl. It’s one of only four places in North America considered a migration super highway for waterfowl. YEP! This is a bird viewing paradise!
Use this map to find the best parking. Park admission fees may apply.
Take a look back at Rehoboth Beach Museum
Located in the heart of Rehoboth Beach at 511 Rehoboth Avenue, the Rehoboth Beach Museum preserves and shares the rich history of Rehoboth Beach through a variety of exhibits and artifacts.
One of the most famous artifacts it the “Dolle’s” sign that hangs outside the building.
Dolle’s, a candy shop famous for their salt water taffy, has been a Boardwalk tradition for about 100 years. The store had to relocate and the sign didn’t fit the new location. But, the iconic sign found a new home at the museum where it will be preserved for generations to come.
(But, go to Dolle’s and get some taffy…. more on that later.)
The museum highlights the native origins of Rehoboth Beach and its interesting start as a Methodist Camp Meeting Association providing summer retreats for Methodists in the region. The summer camps didn’t last long as Rehoboth Beach became a full-fledged boardwalk beach town with a rich multicultural heritage to welcome beach goers every year.
One of the most unique and interesting exhibits is Paul Lovett’s “Golden Age of Rehoboth” diorama, a stunning recreation of the town as it was in its heyday (1910), when the wealthy people of New York and New Jersey traveled south to the beach by train.
Those with an interest in history and art can hear Paul Lovett at his diorama talks every Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. in summertime, where he shares his knowledge as a historian and his passion for Rehoboth Beach.
Upstairs, signs from businesses through the years adorn the walls. Longtime visitors to Rehoboth Beach enjoy seeing the signs from days gone by and sharing memories with their children and grandchildren.
Other revolving exhibits share different aspects of life at Rehoboth Beach.
Museum hours vary by season and can be found on the museum website. Paid parking is available. Donations are welcome.
When visiting with kids, expect to spend one to two hours here.
The museum has a kids’ room for young children, and treasure hunts to make kids’ visits more interactive.
There are even more fun things to do with kids in Rehoboth Beach just outside the museum, including a playground, a path down to the river to look for wildlife, and a visitor center with a model train that circles the top of the rooms and goes through walls!
Play around (or a round) at Zelky’s Roof Top Terrace Mini Golf
Of course, a trip to the beach is more than museums and marshes! Zelky’s Roof Top Terrace Mini Golf on the Boardwalk is one of the most unique things to do in Rehoboth Beach.
The Mini Golf course, which opened in 2025, sits on the roof, providing panoramic views of the Boardwalk, the Atlantic coastline and the town of Rehoboth Beach.
Play a round, just for the views! But… it’s awfully fun, too. I laughed. I danced to the soundtrack between holes. I shot a hole in one (legit). And I needed five shots for another hole. And, I left with a huge smile on my face. It. Was. FUN!
Side note: The course looks easy at first glance, but I assure you, it’s not as simple as it seems. It’s a great balance of fun and challenges.
Zelky’s is located at 113 S Boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach. The mini golf course opens at 11:00 daily and hours are weather dependent. In shoulder season, mini golf is open on weekends.
Budget Travel Tip: Zelky’s has mini golf coupons in local visitor guidebooks, and they offer special discounts for the arcade downstairs as well. Look for savings!
Shop along the Boardwalk
You can’t talk things to do in Rehoboth Beach without the shopping!
Oh my goodness…. there are so many fun shops to explore.
Whether looking for the perfect, unique gift for a loved one, a souvenir for yourself, some new beach clothes or tasty treats, it’s all on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk!
Penny Lane Mall is one of the most popular spots in Rehoboth Beach. This open-air alley mall just off Rehoboth Avenue near the beach offers a variety of shops to find the perfect gift or souvenir.
I can’t say what I bought, but looking all along the Boardwalk, I found the perfect Christmas gift for someone I love here on my visit!
Browseabout Books is another wonderful gift shop and bookstore, popular with locals and visitors alike. I wandered through and was impressed by the variety of books and gifts they had, and even moreso by the incredibly helpful staff. If you need a book for the beach or a gift for the cat sitter, you’ll find it here.
As promised, Dolle’s Candyland is a must stop at the beach. Whether you want gourmet chocolates, flavored popcorn or salt water taffy, this is the place to go. Just steps from the beach, Dolle’s has been serving sweet treats to Rehoboth Beach since 1927!
My husband LOVES salt water taffy, so I had to shop here. The hardest part was deciding which of the 24 flavors to get. So far, Rob’s favorite is the chocolate peanut butter taffy. He declares it perfect.
Take an afternoon to stroll the many shops in Rehoboth Beach to find your perfect souvenir. They’re fun to explore!
Enjoy an evening in Dewey Beach
Just down the road in Dewey Beach, you’ll find even more fun!
My short trip allowed me only one evening in Dewey Beach, but it was pretty spectacular. And, it’s something you can do, too.
From June through August each summer, Dewey Beach offers two completely free family friendly events that you don’t want to miss.
The first is Monday Movies on the Beach, every Monday in summer at 8:30 p.m.
Head to the beach at Dagsworthy Avenue with your beach chairs, popcorn and snacks to enjoy a family-friendly movie night. Glow necklaces are available for a $1 donation, just to make it more fun. And, yes, restrooms are provided a the Dewey Beach Lifesaving Station.
Pro Tip: Arrive a bit early to claim your spot.
The second is Bonfires on the Beach every Wednesday in summer at 7:00 p.m. Bring your beach chairs to this family friendly event at Dagsworthy Avenue.
You can even make free s’mores! Restrooms are available at the Dewey Beach Lifesaving Station.
When visiting Delaware’s southern beaches, an evening at Dewey Beach is just right. With the kiddos, make it Monday or Wednesday and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Enjoy a sunset cruise in Lewes
Just a short drive from Rehoboth Beach, I’m including this in our list of fun things to do in Rehoboth Beach because… well… what’s not to love about a sunset cruise?
Cape Water Tours operate from the Lewes Ferry Terminal dock on the Delaware Bay. You’ll see local landmarks like the East End Lighthouse and Cape Henlopen Point while chasing the sunset. And, you might see dolphins, especially on summer cruises.
Tickets begin at $30, and you can bring your own drinks and snacks. Cruises are canceled in bad weather, understandably.
Pro Tip: Lewes is pronounced Lew-ess (like Lewis). Locals will love you for getting that correct!
This was my first trip to Delaware’s Southern Beaches, and I loved everything about it. Of course, the boardwalk and the beach are big draws.
But, I also enjoyed walking through town to see the beachy homes — more New England than we see here in the south. I met many wonderful people, both frequent vacationers eager to share tips for my first stay and friendly locals doing the same. And, I loved the relaxed vibe. As crowded as Rehoboth Beach gets, it’s still laid back. No rushing. It’s just beachy!